Bambu Lab X1 Carbon vs Prusa Research MK4S 3D Printer kit
Technical comparison · Fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM)
X1 Carbon and MK4S 3D Printer kit are two fused filament fabrication (fff/fdm) in a similar class. Choose X1 Carbon if max colors and enclosed chamber matters more; choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if price matters more. On the category's overall technical index, X1 Carbon scores 48/100 against 34/100 for MK4S 3D Printer kit.
| Parameter |
X1 Carbon
Bambu Lab
F2 · Intermediate
|
MK4S 3D Printer kit
Prusa Research
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2025 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~1050–1250 € | 819 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 38.9 × 38.9 × 45.7 cm | 50 × 55 × 40 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 14.13 kg | 7 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 256 × 256 mm | 250 × 210 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 256 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 1000 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Declared precision | 7 μm | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Footprint X×Y (short side) (mm) | 256 mm | 250 mm |
| Build height Z (mm) | 256 mm | 220 mm |
| Kinematics | CoreXY | Cartesian |
| Max nozzle temperature (°C) | 300 °C | 290 °C |
| Max bed temperature (°C) | 110 °C | 120 °C |
| Max print speed (mm/s) | 500 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Enclosed chamber | True | False |
| Filament sensor | True | True |
| Auto bed leveling | Mesh | Mesh |
| Standard nozzle diameter (mm) | 0.4 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Multi-extruder | False | False |
| Native Klipper | False | False |
| Input shaper | True | True |
| Multicolor printing | True | True |
| Multicolor requires accessory | True | True |
| Max colors | 16 | 5 |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The printer is controlled via Bambu Studio, the proprietary slicer available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as the Bambu Handy mobile app. LAN mode is supported, allowing full local control without an internet connection or cloud account. Remote monitoring via Bambu Cloud is optional. Bambu Studio accepts 3MF, STL, OBJ, and STEP files and includes advanced features such as vibration compensation and flow rate control. | The MK4S runs proprietary Prusa firmware based on Marlin, not GRBL. It is managed through PrusaSlicer (with over 180 official profiles included), Simplify3D, or Cura with community profiles. Files are loaded via USB, local network, or PrusaConnect and the Prusa mobile app; it is not compatible with LightBurn or LaserGRBL, being a filament printer. The machine can run fully offline with no cloud dependency, and receives regular firmware updates along with pre-tuned profiles for Prusament materials. |
The differences that matter
- Max colors: X1 Carbon 16 vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 5 — X1 Carbon wins (+220%)
- Price: X1 Carbon 1150 € vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 819 € — MK4S 3D Printer kit wins (+40%)
- Enclosed chamber: X1 Carbon yes, MK4S 3D Printer kit no
- Work area: X1 Carbon 256×256 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 250×210 mm — X1 Carbon wins (+25%)
- Build height Z: X1 Carbon 256 mm vs MK4S 3D Printer kit 220 mm — X1 Carbon wins (+16%)
Which one to choose
Choose X1 Carbon if…
you value max colors, enclosed chamber and work area.
Choose MK4S 3D Printer kit if…
you value price and max bed temperature.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.